The second misperception is there is no cardiovascular benefit from using omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The interpretation is wrong. Why? Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving supplements have not measured nutritional status.

The National Health Foundation report identifies many studies reporting health benefits of fish consumption. Why? Simple answer. Most of these studies measured omega-3 status rather than relying upon a dichotomous statistical analysis: assigned to consuming fish (yes/no).

The beneficial findings of fish consumption are grounded in nutrition status measurements. Based on adipose tissue fatty acid analysis, Joensen and colleagues reported a 35% reduction in risk of acute coronary syndrome between those with the highest n-3 LCPUFA in adipose quintile (vs lowest). Mozaffarian and colleagues reported higher plasma omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are associated with a 27% reduction in risk of total mortality, mostly attributable to cardiovascular deaths.

A failure of researchers to conduct robust studies using measures of nutritional status, and possibly a publication bias favoring food vs supplemental sources, should not be misconstrued into an anti-supplement conclusion.